Access issues in Long Ashton could be a thing of the past under new proposals to address obstructive parking along the main route through the village.  North Somerset Council is considering bringing in new parking restrictions for points along Long Ashton Road and Weston Road bottlenecks pose access issues for general traffic bus services and other public service vehicles such as emergency services and waste collections.  The locations being considered for new parking restrictions have been identified through feedback from local residents and community representatives and Nailsea-to-Bristol X8 and X9 bus services all experience delays through Long Ashton due to obstructive parking.  A public survey on the proposals is now open for six weeks until 5pm on Monday 24 March 2024 and residents can visit www.n-somerset.inconsult.uk/LongAshton to view the proposals in detail and have their say.   If you are unable to access the survey online, please email bsip.engagement@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 01934 888 888 (and say 'Public Transport' when asked) to leave your details to receive a paper copy.  Executive Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council said: “Parking at certain points along the main road through Long Ashton is posing an ongoing problem for larger vehicles and causes hold ups which impact everyone’s journeys “Making changes at certain locations would help resolve these issues – improving general traffic flow and allowing a clear route through for service vehicles to serve the community.  “These changes would also help to improve bus service performance giving our communities the reliable services they want and need.”  The proposed Long Ashton parking restrictions are among a range of initiatives being put in place and considered under the UK Government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan. Read more at: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/bsip   A public meeting at Long Ashton village hall on Saturday four days before council planners meet to decide on an application from US medi-tech giants Epic for a business campus on Green Belt land between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Bristol Post)People living in a village just outside Bristol say they have been left feeling ‘appalled’ and ‘betrayed’ after councillors in Weston-super-Mare voted to allow an American medi-tech company to build a huge ‘office campus’ that would effectively join their village to the city At the end of a turbulent week, which began with it being described as ‘the most important in Long Ashton’s modern history’ by the man who served as chairman of the parish council for years hairdressers and pubs of the village the subject of Epic and its campus is never far from people’s conversations Last Saturday, villagers gathered themselves at the community centre - leaving standing room only at a public meeting - to discuss how they could persuade councillors to vote against the project Epic, a US firm that supplies IT systems to a growing number of NHS trusts have three different offices in Bristol but wants to merge them all and offices around the country to create a new European headquarters for its global company The firm’s corporate vision is for a huge campus that would take 15 years to complete and include a 3,000-seater auditorium Their choice of site for this is the wetlands of the Ashton Vale on fields and woods that separate the south-western edge of Bristol and the village of Long Ashton It’s Green Belt, so in theory should never be built on. Bristol City Council told North Somerset they objected pointing out there are sites with less impact all over Bristol itself that Epic could have chosen - sites that would not impact the Green Belt US medi-tech firm EPIC want to build a new office campus on fields between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Epic)At a tense and stormy meeting on Wednesday afternoon, councillors in North Somerset agreed leaving Long Ashton villagers stunned and furious Local councillor Stuart McQuillan was on the committee and said afterwards what upset him the most was that his fellow councillors didn’t appear to have read the reports or know what they were making a decision on “I have served on North Somerset's planning committee for over five years,” he said I was utterly appalled at the lack of debate and engagement with my motion to refuse the application Some councillors asked questions so basic it implied they had not read let alone analysed the officers’ report and the planning balance,” he fumed “Several members also did not attend the site visit We have had longer debates over extending a bungalow Many stated in the meeting and to residents that this was not going to be a foregone conclusion and waived through but I find that hard to believe based on the quality of the debate US medi-tech firm EPIC want to build a new office campus on these fields between Long Ashton and Bristol - the view looking south west from Bristol to Long Ashton right on the edge of the city are bottom right with the South Bristol Link Road meeting the A370 Long Ashton Bypass in the centre EPIC want to build in the triangle-shaped area in the centre leaving a 'Green Wedge' alongside the A370 which would include the cricket club.(Image: Google Maps)“I cannot shake the impression many had made their minds up based on the many briefings on the economic benefits of the proposal they had received from officers Many of these briefings barely mentioned other key issues such as Green Belt and heritage,” he added When Bristol Live featured life in Long Ashton - which locals cheekily call ‘LA’ - in late 2021 we found a village with a sense of community made stronger by Covid and with an identity proudly and determinedly separate from Bristol While many communities around the edge of Bristol will have some affiliation the people of LA were resolutely separate - and the physical manifestation of that are the fields rivers and woods that separate the village from the trading estates and suburban streets of Ashton Vale and Bishopsworth Now, outside of the council chamber, in the village itself, there is fear about the future. Housing developers have options on hundreds of acres of Green Belt land next to the Epic site have been trying to get it included in North Somerset's Local Plan and are submitted planning applications for what will effectively be a new suburb of Bristol “My concerns are for Long Ashton as a village If this critically important piece can be sold for such a bizarre development then no piece of green belt is safe,” said one villager my primary concern is that we will be subsumed by Bristol But we will probably see a reduction in air quality due to the inevitable traffic problems very little if any of which will be seen by Long Ashton or North Somerset there are so many alternative sites that should have been properly considered locally and nationally,” he added Amanda Barrett is a Long Ashton parish councillor and one of those who founded the Long Ashton Nature Community and Environment Trust She said she was ‘deeply disillusioned and angry’ and the whole experience had left the village just as disillusioned “We have absolutely no faith in consultations anymore,” she said emails or letters when few councillors can be bothered to read or engage with them “At a time when the adverse effects of climate change and biodiversity loss are increasing and should be blindingly obvious to members of this committee they chose to ignore so many local and national policies to follow the scent of promised gold I also really resented the use of the acronym NIMBY - it was used as a derisory slur by one of the Conservative members Using language such as this is sinking to a new low Local politics is becoming as divisive as national,” she added Another resident said the village felt betrayed by North Somerset Council. “Yesterday’s decision is a betrayal of the council’s previous declaration of climate and nature emergencies and runs counter to the current draft Local Plan. “The claims by Epic in terms of job creation are overstated and the negative impact on the area either ignored or underplayed, whilst they wilfully reject the plethora of unfilled office space or brownfield land within just a few miles of the proposed site,” said Em. “This decision fundamentally undermines the concept of green belt. We are being asked to compromise all of these things and more, whilst Epic concedes nothing,” she added. Another resident, who declined to be named, had few words about the imminent new neighbours for Long Ashton. “When the diggers move in, Long Ashton will cease to be the haven that was the very reason for the diggers being summoned in the first place,” they said. “They will kill what they covet.” A major economic development in North Somerset has taken a step forward after the council’s planning committee approved a 90-acre application by US tech-giant Epic yesterday (Wednesday 15 January) Nine councillors supported approval with four opposing The application includes building new office buildings a training facility and solar field on green belt land between Long Ashton and Bristol over a period of several years.  The Epic development will become the new European Headquarters for the US company who leads on developing software for the health industry with a billion patients worldwide It could create up 2,150 jobs and become the largest private employer in North Somerset whilst bringing £140m to the economy every year The committee heard arguments for and against the application from members of the community local ward members and business and college leaders.  The application was debated over several hours and committee members reviewed a ‘most detailed’ document almost 400 pages long before making their decision Committee members remarked ‘this is the most significant planning application for North Somerset in decades’ and ‘this is the biggest opportunity I have seen us have Planning officers recommended that the application met ‘very special circumstances’ which has enabled it to be considered being built on green belt land This includes the economic benefit the business will bring to North Somerset and the wider UK economy Although the plans have been approved by the council it will now be referred to the Secretary of State due to it being Green Belt development and an office development outside a town centre.  The Epic office campus plan in Long Ashton and the Secretary of State for local government and planning Angela Rayner MP(Image: Epic/Bristol Live)People living in a village near Bristol have asked Government ministers to intervene in a row over whether an American medi-tech corporation can build their European headquarters in the countryside between their homes and the edge of Bristol Long Ashton Parish Council has written to the Secretary of State Angela Rayner asking her to ‘call-in’ the planning permission awarded by councillors on North Somerset Council earlier this month saying that allowing the development to go ahead goes against policies designed to protect the Green Belt around Bristol and whether the planning application should be revisited The decision - and the way it was made in mid-January - so outraged Long Ashton’s Lib Dem councillor Ash Cartman that he resigned from the party group on North Somerset Council claiming that it was ‘obvious’ some of his colleagues hadn’t even read the full report detailing the pros and cons of the planning application Epic says it will take 10 years to build their office campus on the fields between the south west corner of Bristol at Ashton Vale and the village of Long Ashton The campus will have three office buildings a separate restaurant facility and a 3,000-seater auditorium and lecture hall US medi-tech firm EPIC want to build a new office campus on fields between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Epic)Epic has three different office buildings at various locations in Bristol city centre as well as offices across Britain and Europe The US-based firm wants to move all its Bristol employees to the proposed campus at Long Ashton Bristol City Council objected to the plan telling North Somerset Council that as well as damaging the principle of the Green Belt around the city locations around Bristol that Epic could look at as an alternative “Objections have also been lodged by an unusually high number of statutory bodies highlighting the significant and irreparable harm this development would cause to the green belt “The application raises significant issues of national importance namely that it conflicts with National Planning Policies (NPPF) on making the best use of land as it fails to follow a sequential approach to land selection contrary to planning guidance on sustainable development and the policy set out on town centres and the Green Belt,” he added which would include the cricket club.(Image: Google Maps)“We contend that the application represents a complete departure from the NPPF,” he said “It is also in direct conflict with the Draft North Somerset Local Plan as a whole The application is particularly controversial to the extent that Bristol City Council object to it To proceed without further review and rigorous scrutiny would seriously undermine confidence in the planning system at both national and local level,” he added “Epic has stated that if it does not relocate to this site it cannot remain at its existing three offices within Bristol City Centre and will vacate the city centre and indeed the country well established national planning policies should not be cast aside in response to the threats of individual companies they could be accommodated on other sites with considerably less impact,” he told Angela Rayner Ministers have the power to send the application to a planning inspector to hold a public inquiry to consider the decision again appeals to Government ministers to call-in applications after they have been given permission have failed four days before council planners meet to decide on an application from US medi-tech giants Epic for a business campus on Green Belt land between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Bristol Post)Article continues belowThe letter to the Secretary of State is the first of two ways remaining for Long Ashton to challenge and eventually overturn the planning permission given - the other is a potential Judicial Review in which members of the public can challenge the way in which a council awarded planning permission in the courts US medi-tech firm EPIC want to build a new office campus on fields between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Epic)An American company has insisted it will bring “significant investment” to the local economy after getting planning permission to build its new 90-acre European headquarters in the Bristol green belt In the company’s first comments since being granted planning permission, a spokesperson for Epic said: “We are pleased that North Somerset Council supports our plans for the Epic Long Ashton Campus This will be a highly sustainable development that uses renewable energy sources preserves most of the campus as open space and improves the ecology of the area through renaturalisation of Ashton Brook and increased biodiversity “It is a significant investment in North Somerset and the UK and it will help us support the growing community of UK organisations that use Epic to provide health and social care We look forward to building a positive long-term relationship with North Somerset Council and the wider Long Ashton and North Somerset community.” US medi-tech firm EPIC want to build a new office campus on fields between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Epic)Article continues belowNorth Somerset councillor Mark Canniford (Weston-super-Mare Hillside the council’s executive member responsible for economy also welcomed the planning committee’s decision to approve the plans He said: “This poses a huge opportunity for the whole of North Somerset and shows that North Somerset is open for business and we want to see opportunities like this all over the district.” But the plans have been divisive — even within the council’s executive The executive member responsible for sustainability — and local councillor for the neighbouring Winford ward — Annemieke Waite (Green) said: “For everyone who lives along the A38 Long Ashton Parish Council said it felt “profound disappointment” at the decision The parish council said: “The development will transform Long Ashton from a distinct rural community into what will effectively become a conurbation of Bristol causing significant and irreparable harm to local heritage assets and valuable agricultural land and other parish councils in North Somerset.” North Somerset Council must discover room for constructing over 1,500 dwellings annually and a controversial plan proposes thousands of homes spanning from Bishopsworth to the fringes of Long Ashton is nestled within North Somerset’s most prized greenbelt area—fiercely defended against development until now local Councillor Ash Cartman (Independent) admits there's growing local acquiescence to development if residents can influence the design one of the two councillors representing the village said: "I think there is an acceptance given the need for housing and the pressure from the central government that saying no is not an answer and there's a dawning acceptance locally that's the case." (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)With central government demanding North Somerset to erect 23,895 new properties by 2040 which is 8,620 more than earlier estimates—the council has decided to postpone its local planning framework This key planning policy document’s revision allows the community to re-engage with council authorities about where these new homes might be situated A map detailing the proposals has earmarked a 205-hectare area east of Bishopsworth in yellow as one of the "most suitable" locations for a new development of 4,000 homes more land just beyond the Long Ashton Bypass indicating "other potential" for housing Mr Cartman has voiced that the orange-highlighted site nearest to the village would be off-limits but suggested that the community might be open to the idea of development on the yellow-highlighted site He commented: "It's not fair that we take everything on the proposals but it possibly is fair that we take a significant development if we can preserve our identity stressing the importance of cooperation: "If everyone says no we are not going to get anywhere." he also emphasised the quality of any potential development: "If we are going to build something there I think it should be something we can be proud of [...] And that isn't just an identikit extension of Bristol." Mr Cartman added: "That depends on North Somerset Council listening to legitimate concerns and not just characterising us as blockers and NIMBYs." A map of the site(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)‌The discussion about potentially developing the greenbelt near the village follows closely after Long Ashton lost a fight against plans for an American healthcare technology company to establish their European headquarters on a plot of land situated between the Long Ashton Bypass and South Bristol Link Road A development met fierce resistance from Long Ashton Parish Council which argued that the village would be "subsumed into Bristol." quit the party "in disgust" over the council's support for the plans the North Somerset local plan consultation is taking place Some other notable sites earmarked for housing developments include a new village at Wolvershill, further development in Backwell, an expansion of Nailsea to the west, and an additional 400 homes at Portishead Down and 1,000 more homes in Pill Drop-in events are also being held where members of the public can view plans and ask questions. There is no need to book: • Wednesday 5th March – Weston-super-Mare Library, Town Hall, Walliscote Grove Road, W-s-M, BS23 1UJ: 3 – 6pm • Friday 7th March – Nailsea United Reform Church Hall, Stockway North Nailsea, BS48 1AQ: 3 – 6pm • Monday 10 March – Backwell WI Hall, Station Road, Backwell, BS48 3QW: 3 – 6pm US medi-tech firm EPIC want to build a new office campus on fields between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Epic)Councillors have given the green light to an American company to build a 90-acre technology campus across the narrow stretch of green belt between Long Ashton and Bristol Healthcare technology company Epic said building its European headquarters in North Somerset would bring 2,150 high quality jobs in life sciences and £140m in gross value added to the economy per year Brandon Reynolds of Epic said: “This would make us the largest private employer in North Somerset.” READ MORE: Two men charged with murder after homeowner dies in burglary READ MORE: Somerset firm blames 'disgruntled' sacked worker for polluting river Planning officers at North Somerset Council had agreed the plans were inappropriate development in the green belt — but recommended it should be approved anyway due to the major investment in the local economy But as North Somerset Council planning committee met to decide the plans on January 15 Liberal Democrat) asked: “Do they need this site to deliver those economic benefits?” He said: “It’s clear to me from this application that Bristol gets the jobs, Weston gets the money Councillors on the planning committee voted 9-4 to approve the plans to shouts of “shame” from the public gallery planning committee member Terry Porter (Hutton and Locking Conservative) said: “This is the biggest opportunity I have seen us have US medi-tech firm EPIC want to build a new office campus on fields between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Epic)‌The majorly divisive plans caused a split on North Somerset Council’s executive committee The executive member responsible for sustainability Annemieke Waite (Winford Green) warned the plans would set a “dangerous precedent,” while the executive member responsible for economy Mark Canniford (Weston-super-Mare Hillside Long Ashton’s other local councillor Stuart McQuillian (Green) sits on the planning committee and urged the council to refuse planning permission for the plans. But only he, Dan Thomas (Congresbury and Puxton, Green), Tim Snaden (Portishead North Portishead Independent) and Peter Crew (Weston-super-Mare South Worle Conservative) voted against approving the plans Long Ashton Parish Council said it felt “profound disappointment” at the decision “The approval contradicts overwhelming local opposition, with 96% of submissions to the Planning Portal objecting to the development. It also disregards formal objections from numerous statutory bodies, Bristol City Council US medi-tech firm EPIC want to build a new office campus on fields between Long Ashton and Bristol - The view from the South Bristol Link Road shows the fields in question on the left with Long Ashton in the distance(Image: Google Maps)More than 700 people had lodged their objections to the plans former Long Ashton parish councillor Charles Cave called the plans a "monstrous carbuncle.” He told the committee: “It would effectively join us to Bristol and we do not wish to be subsumed into Bristol.” Parish councillor Chris Davis added: “If the green belt is lost the semi-rural character of Long Ashton will be lost as well.” Also speaking against the plans Claire Horn added: “This is not grey belt land It is high quality undeveloped green belt.” But the plans had the support of Weston College principal Pat Jones and Business West’s Phil Smith at the meeting for the new jobs it would create. Mr Smith said: “We see the creation of skilled high quality jobs to help our NHS and our healthcare sector being of national importance and a large vote of confidence in North Somerset.” Although the plans have been approved, it will now need to be sent to the secretary of state — who has a chance to call-in the plans — because it is inappropriate development in the green belt. US medi-tech firm EPIC want to build a new office campus on fields between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Epic)Speaking after the vote, Mr Canniford said: “I’m delighted that it's gone though. This poses a huge opportunity for the whole of North Somerset and shows that North Somerset is open for business and we want to see opportunities like this all over the district.” But Ms Waite said: “For everyone who lives along the A38, this is a bad decision. And we are going to live to regret it.” Mr Cartman said: “This council has become institutionally corrupted by an application which shows they know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” Entry to Ashton Court Estate is free and open daily from 8 AM Just a short distance from Bristol’s city centre Ashton Court Estate offers 850 acres of rolling parkland At the heart of the estate stands Ashton Court Mansion a Grade I-listed building with a history dating back over 600 years Though the mansion itself is not always open to the public its impressive exterior and surrounding gardens are worth a visit The estate is also famous for hosting the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta one of the world’s largest gatherings of hot air balloons The Courtyard Café provides a relaxed place to grab a coffee or lunch after exploring the estate Perched on the edge of the breathtaking Avon Gorge this stylish hotel offers some of the best panoramic views in Bristol a fantastic terrace overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge and easy access to Clifton Village & Ashton Court Estate View on Booking.com The Bristol Hotel combines modern elegance with warm it’s perfect for exploring the city’s vibrant waterfront and buzzing restaurants all a short journey away from Ashton Court View on Booking.com Ashton Court Mansion & Gardens: The Grade I-listed mansion is one of the estate’s most striking features While the building itself isn’t always open to the public the formal gardens surrounding it offer a beautiful place to wander with well-kept flower beds and historic stonework The Deer Park: Ashton Court is home to two deer parks The estate has been home to these herds for centuries The Domesday Oak: One of Ashton Court’s most remarkable natural features is the Domesday Oak an ancient tree believed to be around 900 years old The tree gets its name from the Domesday Book of 1086 in which Ashton Court was recorded during the reign of William the Conqueror Its twisting branches and enormous trunk make it an impressive sight Goram the Giant Statue: According to Bristol folklore Goram the Giant helped shape the Avon Gorge A large stone statue of Goram stands within the estate Walking & Cycling Trails: With 850 acres of open parkland and woodland Golf & Disc Golf: The estate features a 9-hole pitch-and-putt golf course and a disc golf course family-friendly sport where you throw frisbees into target baskets—easy to pick up and play Ashton Court has several pay-and-display car parks located across the estate The Courtyard Café is located in the historic stables of Ashton Court Mansion offering a cozy spot for refreshments during your visit The café serves a selection of artisan sourdough toasties with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible The café offers indoor and outdoor seating It’s a great spot to relax after exploring the estate’s vast walking trails Kings Weston House (5.4 miles), Blaise Castle Estate (6.8 miles) © 2023 - 2025 Bristol Guide - Made In Bristol which would include the cricket club.(Image: Google Maps)A Government minister has given the go-ahead to a plan to build an American company’s medi-tech office campus on the green belt around Bristol despite the city council urging them to review the decision It was controversially given the go-ahead by North Somerset’s councillors last month, but the parish council and Bristol City Council - which also opposes the scheme - asked the Secretary of State Angela Rayner to ‘call-in’ the plans and review it planning minister Matthew Pennycook MP decided it did not need to be ‘called in’ sparking fury in Long Ashton on Tuesday evening “The policy makes it clear that the power to call in a case will only be used very selectively,” the letter from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government in Birmingham said “This policy also gives examples of the types of issues which may lead her to conclude in her opinion that the application should be called in The Secretary of State has decided not to call in this application She is content that it should be determined by the local planning authority,” it added The project will take 15 years to build but was vehemently opposed by villagers in Long Ashton who said breaching the Green Belt there would set a precedent that will see their village swallowed up by Bristol’s housing developments “This means despite contravening a raft of national and local policies the Planning Inspectorate won't review the case,” said a spokesperson for the campaign group in Long Ashton local communities have become disheartened by lack of regard for the local democratic process and questions whether there's any point in engaging with future consultations since our views US medi-tech firm EPIC want to build a new office campus on fields between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Epic)“We think this refusal to call it in is shocking because it certainly met all the criteria far less controversial smaller schemes have been called in previously Previously the decision would have been made by senior planners/civil servants yet he is just one individual with no planning experience ignoring the concerns of Bristol City Council “If we were shocked before, we are beyond angry now since it's obvious that Labour have no interest in anything bar a headlong rush to the chimera of economic growth,” she added. four days before council planners meet to decide on an application from US medi-tech giants Epic for a business campus on Green Belt land between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Bristol Post)Residents in a village just outside Bristol gathered for ‘an 11th hour push’ to try to persuade councillors to refuse a plan for a huge ‘business campus’ that will be ‘more like Disneyland’ that a US medi-tech giant wants to build between their village and the city There was standing room only at Long Ashton community centre on Saturday afternoon as more than 130 residents packed into the village hall to hear that their local planning officers were recommending the 15-year building project from an American tech giant called Epic should be given approval although Epic’s project to create a ‘unique’ business campus would effectively destroy the Green Belt that separates North Somerset’s villages from Bristol the economic benefits from having a ‘unique’ business campus would outweigh that And the planners also believed Epic’s highly controversial claim that they had to expand with a vast landscaped campus, and it has to be on the fields between Bristol and Long Ashton. That claim is contested - not least by Bristol City Council itself which says there are plenty of other places Epic which has offices in the city centre already inside Bristol and on other places around the city But when councillors on North Somerset’s planning committee meet this coming Wednesday the recommendation from their officers is to give Epic permission for their campus on the fields next to the junction of the A370 Long Ashton bypass and Colliters Way scores of people packed in to a hastily-called public meeting demanding to know what they can do to put challenge that recommendation and pressure the councillors to refuse the idea and 80 per cent of its employees in the UK are American Epic says its success is down to a unique working model and its teams work together in a campus that includes a vast auditorium that can seat 3,000 people Several residents at the village meeting in Long Ashton said they worked in similar businesses and questioned whether Epic needed this in Bristol and whether there were locations already within the city - like the empty Lloyds building on the Harbourside - which Epic could take on The meeting was chaired by former parish council chairman Charles Cave He said the village has come together before to see off the threat to the Green Belt that separates Long Ashton from Bristol He said Long Ashton viewed its Green Belt as precious - it was only the width of a few fields which separated the edge of Bristol’s urban line with Long Ashton village but this project ‘jumped the firewall’ of the link road “It is important that we really try to fight this US medi-tech firm EPIC want to build a new office campus on fields between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Epic)Nigel Moorcroft which lies to the east of Long Ashton and is currently the subject of proposals for thousands of new homes it’s only going to be a matter of time before the whole of Long Ashton is subsumed by houses We will become part of Bristol very rapidly,” he warned “Epic’s proposal asks local residents to sacrifice protected green space so they can build an extravagant office complex. This isn’t about need — it’s about want. There are many other, more appropriate sites available, which would still bring jobs and economic prosperity to the region without sacrificing our precious Green Belt. I urge North Somerset councillors to stand with the overwhelming majority of local residents and reject this unnecessary and damaging development,” he added. Read more: How Bristol Live has reported the Epic plans Many in the packed village hall pledged to email the councillors on the planning committee ahead of Wednesday’s crunch meeting, and volunteered to speak up at the meeting, to counter Epic’s arguments. The meeting was organised by local resident Mike Dunn. “Epic are demanding Long Ashton and South Bristol give up green space forever so they can build a sprawling complex complete with an individual office for each staff member, countryside views, and a sushi chef,” he said. “They don’t need this, they want it. We’re urging North Somerset councillors to listen to the overwhelming majority of the people they represent and reject this unnecessary proposal,” he added. North Somerset’s planners will tell councillors that, even though Epic’s proposals to build on the Green Belt should automatically be refused because it’s on the Green Belt, what they are proposing and their need is so unique that it should be treated as a special case. Local resident Moira Hunt said this argument doesn’t stand up. “Meanwhile, Bristol and Weston are awash with empty office space. Anyone who believes in established UK law and democracy should be outraged that a multi-billion dollar company can rip out the green lungs we cherish and allow Bristol to sprawl into Long Ashton, simply because they want to. “We need everyone to email the councillors on the planning committee to say ‘No’ to Epic, and stand up against this abuse of the system,” she added. The meeting is in Weston on Wednesday afternoon. Three dedicated supporter bus services operate on Bristol City first-team home league games These services operate from Winterstoke Road just yards from the main entrance to Ashton Gate Stadium and at convenient times for those attending games Services for cup competitions may vary.Please check the Travel Information article published online ahead of cup games for details IMPORTANT NOTE: Construction work at the Portway Park & Ride means that there will be a change in the loading point for the AG1. The buses will now depart from what3word///putty.loses.resort and will be signposted please factor this into your travel planning Ashton Gate is well connected to Bristol and surrounding areas by an extensive public bus network The stadium is also served by the M2 Long Ashton Park & Ride MetroBus route which is just a nine-minute walk from the stadium. For routes, timetables and fares please click here Please note the M2 service currently does not operate on Sundays or public holidays and the last service towards Temple Meads and the city centre on Monday to Friday departs the Ashton Gate stop at 20:50 Long Ashton Park & Ride – City Centre Ashton Gate is well served by local and national rail services. For the latest information, journey planning and tickets visit www.gwr.com The stadium is less than 30 minutes walk from most of south central and west Bristol and fans can use the postcode BS3 2EJ to plan their route.There are many different routes you can use to walk to Ashton Gate We have developed a map with various different trails around the city that pick out interesting locations along the way Click on the map to download our Walking Trails guide so you can explore the area around the stadium and find out more about the city while you walk Electric scooters are not allowed on-site and must be parked in an appropriate area outside the stadium being careful not to block entrances 

DOTT are the only authorised e-scooters allowed to be used in Bristol and users are kindly requested to ensure they comply with the law and carefully consider their speed around the stadium on a matchday.We have a dedicated space on Ashton Road for DOTT ebike parking as well as multiple locations within the stadium’s vicinity for their vehicles Most supporters will find public transport quicker and easier than driving to games and should be aware that central Bristol, including many roads near Ashton Gate, is now part of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) where non-compliant vehicles will be charged between £9 and £100 per day to drive provide company and help other fans to attend games We have launched a car sharing platform for Bristol City home and away games Bristol City FC Home Games & Bristol City FC Away Games to connect with fellow fans travelling to matches.  For more information, please visit Join My Journey and sign up to our hubs Our official onsite parking is available at either Winterstoke Road Car Park or the old Wickes unit You will need your booking confirmation on the gate to display to our matchday stewards Please check your booking confirmation for which site you have been allocated a space Bristol Airport is just 15 minutes drive from the Stadium The Airport Flyer Service A1 stops at Parson Street Keep up to date with all the latest goings on by signing up for the Bristol City Email newsletter Ashton Gate StadiumAshton RoadBristolBS3 2EJ To continue please log in with your personal details Logging in will give you access to ticketing If you have not yet set up a Bristol City FC account just click Create Account below US medi-tech firm EPIC want to build a new office campus on fields between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Epic)A huge ‘office campus’ on the edge of Bristol which will become the UK headquarters of an American global healthcare software company despite fears it will destroy the principle of the Green Belt around the city North Somerset Council’s planning officers have recommended councillors grant approval to a 15-year project by US company Epic to create a vast landscaped campus underground car park and solar panel field The campus will fill a large part of the Greenbelt land that separates the village of Long Ashton in North Somerset with the south-western corner of Bristol at Ashton Vale and will be located in the triangle formed at the junction of the A370 Long Ashton bypass the A4174 South Bristol Link Road and the mainline railway Councillors in North Somerset will meet next Wednesday to decide on the application with the council’s planning officers recommending the project be given planning permission because the boost to jobs in the area outweighs the many reasons it should be refused “Epic is a global healthcare software company,” North Somerset planners will tell councillors in their report recommending permission be granted. “Epic primarily develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells electronic medical record software. In the UK, Epic provides software and services to NHS Trusts helping them ensure accurate patient information is securely available to medical staff owner and future occupier of the proposed office campus,” they added Epic say the campus will be built over seven phases with the first office buildings completed in 2028 and three more office buildings built during the 2030s and the final part completed in 2041 US medi-tech firm EPIC want to build a new office campus on fields between Long Ashton and Bristol(Image: Epic)Opposition to the project have come from far and wide Almost 700 objections have been received from members of the public with just 43 writing in support of the idea The plan did divide the community in Long Ashton with Epic promising many enhancements to the village including for the next door village cricket club Sign up to receive daily news updates and breaking news alerts straight to your inbox for free here “The position of LAPC has been reached through significant discussion both internally and with the community as a whole,” its spokesperson said “The Long Ashton Neighbourhood Development Plan states from the outset that residents wish Long Ashton to remain separate from Bristol both physically and administratively The parish has made concerted efforts to preserve its sense of community and identity despite its proximity to Bristol LAPC continues to emphasise the importance of preserving the integrity of the surrounding Green Belt,” they added there are other sites Epic could have chosen and the site they did choose can’t be described as ‘grey belt’ “The proposal will represent an unplanned development which will affect the openness of the existing Green Belt and which will diminish the separation of Bristol from the neighbouring settlement of Long Ashton,” the city council has told North Somerset “It will represent an unplanned encroachment on open countryside at the edge of Bristol Having regard to emerging national planning policy the site does not appear to conform with the proposed definition of ‘grey belt’ The City Council supports international investment and the growth of companies with a local presence it does not consider that the benefits of the proposal have been clearly demonstrated to outweigh the inconsistency with planning policies and the impacts which will arise from that,” they added One of Bristol’s objections is the concern that most people who work there will drive there The new South Bristol Link Road that connects the Long Ashton bypass with the A4174 into Bishopsworth and Highridge in South Bristol is already very busy And Active Travel England has also objected “Officers’ assessment of the planning balance that leads to the overall conclusion that the application should be granted planning permission,” they added. A public meeting has been arranged at Long Ashton Community Centre at 4pm on Saturday, January 11. Councillors will decide next Wednesday. A Government minister has given the go-ahead to a plan to build a US company’s medi-tech office campus on the green belt around Bristol The decision comes despite the city council urging them to review the decision Tech company Epic is looking to build the office campus –  which will include a separate 3,000-seat lecture theatre and auditorium  – on green fields between the south-west edge of Bristol and the village of Long Ashton in North Somerset It was controversially given the go-ahead by North Somerset’s councillors last month but the parish council and Bristol City Council – which also opposes the scheme – asked the Secretary of State Angela Rayner to ‘call-in’ the plans and review it She is content that it should be determined by the local planning authority.” “This means despite contravening a raft of national and local policies the Planning Inspectorate won’t review the case,” said a spokesperson for the campaign group in Long Ashton questions whether there’s any point in engaging with future consultations since our views “We think this refusal to call it in is shocking because it certainly met all the criteria far less controversial smaller schemes have been called in previously ignoring the concerns of Bristol City Council.” North Somerset Council is once again working with three local charities to help people in North Somerset recycle and repurpose their real Christmas tree the council’s successful Christmas ‘tree-cycling’ scheme has so far achieved: People in North Somerset and surrounding areas can either take their tree to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxall or arrange for their tree to be collected from their home by St Peter’s Hospice or Weston Hospicecare in return for a donation All trees must have decorations and the pot removed Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm will be accepting trees between Thursday 2 and Sunday 26 January Trees should be left at the collection point in the main car park during zoo opening times (10.30am to 4pm) Donated trees will either be chipped or used whole for animal enrichment within their habitat North Somerset Council’s executive member for climate "I’m delighted North Somerset Council is once again supporting these local Christmas tree recycling schemes As well as raising a fantastic amount of money for local charities the schemes ensure thousands of trees do not go to waste and can instead be repurposed and used again as a valuable resource “Thank you to all our partners who help us make the Christmas tree recycling schemes happen particularly our street cleansing contractor Glendale Services who are once again donating their time and resource to help with the chipping.” Christmas trees can also be taken to one of the three household waste and recycling centres in North Somerset where they can be recycled with the garden waste. Check the council’s website for advice, location details and opening times www.n-somerset.gov.uk/recyclingcentres Residents signed up to the garden waste collection service can put their trees out for collection when the service resumes from Monday 13 January 2025 Trees can either be chopped up and put in green garden waste bins or left whole alongside They must be shorter than two metres in length and have the pot and all decorations removed For regular updates and news, follow North Somerset’s Recycling and Waste team on social media at Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) Clifton College offers a unique golfing experience that combines state-of-the-art facilities we believe that the best players train with the best facilities That’s why we have invested heavily in providing our students with top-tier golfing infrastructure Our dedicated driving range allows for focused skill development while our on-campus golf simulator offers cutting-edge technology for those looking to refine their technique indoors students can enjoy an environment that is both challenging and inspiring Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the walls of Clifton College with strategic partnerships that enhance the golfing experience We are proud to be affiliated with Long Ashton Golf Club where players can enjoy access to one of Bristol’s finest golf courses providing an ideal environment for practice and play Photo credit – Long Ashton Golf Club The heart of Clifton College’s golf programme lies in benefitting from top-tier instruction helping to refine both technique and strategy whilst fostering a love and deep understanding of the game Golf at Clifton College is not just about practice – it’s about performance Our players are provided with a full fixture programme and ample opportunities to compete at a local and national level With regular entry into esteemed tournaments players can challenge themselves against other talented young golfers Golf at Clifton College represents a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to student development Through our combination of state-of-the-art facilities we provide golfers with the tools they need to succeed and thrive Our students leave not just with improved golf skills but with a deeper understanding of the game and the confidence to excel in any competitive environment Interested in Golf at Clifton College? Apply for our Golf Scholarship today and step onto the path to sporting and academic success The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response 17 SEP 2024BookmarkDrivers face long delays in South Bristol (Image: Google Maps)Long delays have been reported in South Bristol after a crash this afternoon Traffic is moving slowly on the A4174 Colliters Way in Long Ashton According to traffic monitoring system Inrix the road is currently blocked between Gurney roundabout and the A38 Bridgwater Road Motorists face delays across South Bristol More congestion has been reported on Hartcliffe Way Inrix reprots: "A4174 Colliters Way in both directions blocked slow traffic due to accident between A370 (Gurney Roundabout) and A38 Bridgwater Road (Lime Kiln Roundabout)." earlier accident on A4174 Colliters Way in both directions between A370 (Gurney Roundabout) and A38 Bridgwater Road (Lime Kiln Roundabout) A4174 Colliters Way in both directions closed slow traffic due to accident between A370 (Gurney Roundabout) and A38 Bridgwater Road (Lime Kiln Roundabout) A4174 Colliters Way in both directions blocked A370 ASHTON ROAD - ASHTON GATE - EASTBOUND - BRISTOL Slow traffic on A370 Ashton Road Eastbound before A3029 Ashton Gate Underpass Long delays on A370 Ashton Road Eastbound before A3029 Ashton Gate Underpass Congestion to routes joining the A370 including the South Bristol Link Road An accident has been reported in the delays In the roadworks area.A lane closure is in operation an accident has been reported in the delays Reports of queueing traffic due to accident on A370 Eastbound before A4174 Colliters Way (Gurney Roundabout) 21 JAN 2025BookmarkThe A370 at Long Ashton (Image: Google Maps)Traffic was slow moving after a crash on a main route into Bristol this morning The crash happened on the A370 eastbound at Long Ashton at just before 8am this morning Traffic information service Inrix reports that traffic is queuing It said: "Reports of queueing traffic due to accident on A370 Eastbound before A4174 Colliters Way (Gurney Roundabout)." Run Directors Janet and Tony considered relocating the start to an area less frosty There was a pause while they walked to the first bend and back and to stress in the pre-run briefing the need to be extremely careful all the way round the course The message was reinforced by the addition of an extra marshal positioned on that potentially treacherous first (and last) bend we learnt that Eastville parkrun had cancelled and later in the day found that those at Chipping Sodbury and Somerdale Pavilion had followed suit along with at least 100 other parkruns in the UK James and Tom HANSON’s home event is Evesham parkrun; and Clapham Common parkrun was missing Richard MORROW Many other exotic UK parkrun locations were also represented You can make a parkrun happen too! Have a look at our volunteer roster here and see what roles we need filling If you click on a task name you’ll go to a page with explanations of the different volunteer roles where hopefully there'll be one you like the look of © parkrun Limited (Company Number: 07289574) No part of this site may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the copyright owner A NEW night bus between Weston and Bristol is among changes to routes set to start in April New bus timetables are set to be introduced in North Somerset on Sunday in a bid to offer “improved travel options and a better coordinated bus network for residents” North Somerset Council said the changes have “used community engagement from bus users aiming to offer a more reliable and flexible service with improved community links” to secure services for the future As well as the introduction of a night bus services combined with aligned timetables to help children get to school more easily as well as improved links to hospitals and areas like Bleadon and West Wick with students now able to access all Weston College campuses in the town on a direct and faster service Service changes to North Somerset bus timetables include: executive member for highways and transport at North Somerset Council said: “Using community feedback is a key part in improving our bus services in North Somerset “Following the increased feedback from residents on overcrowding on late buses we hope that the introduction of late buses on Friday and Saturday nights from Bristol will be popular and therefore commercially viable services “We’re trying to stretch the resources available to match competing demands This does mean that not every person will get the service they would like we ask that residents continue to talk to us and we will continue to make improvements throughout the year.” Follow us on Facebook Subscribe to the Newsletter The New Blackmore Vale Magazine The New Stour & Avon Magazine Salisbury & Avon Gazette said 'cohorts of individuals intent on causing each other harm' are responsible for recent violence in BristolA number of amazing people from across Bristol and Somerset have been named on the King's New Year Honours List The list celebrates the achievements and services of people from across the region as we approach the end of the year Among those honoured this year is Gary Martin Haskins of Avon and Somerset Police Also on the list is Councillor Helen Holland The Reverend Andrew Paget and football coach Michael Timothy Alden David Irvine Addis has also been named for services to his community in Long Ashton Cardiff University and Honorary Consultant Physician in Diabetes Nicola Beauman . Founder, Persephone Books. For services to Publishing. ( Bath For services to 3D Medical Simulation Training For services to the Victims of Domestic Violence and their Families St Paul’s Nursery School and Children’s Centre Lead at Bristol and Beyond Regional Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety to Transport Safety and to the Engineering Profession Somerset) Professor Nicholas Jenkins FREng For services to Renewable Energy and to Smart Grid Technologies For services to Rural Healthcare in Scotland For services to Local Government and to the community of Hartcliffe and Withywood For services to Improving Social Care Practice For services to Policing and to the community in Avon and Somerset For services to the Repair and Conservation of Heritage Buildings Gary Martin Haskins . Detective Superintendent, Avon and Somerset Police. (Somerset) AMERICAN tech giant Epic looks set build its new European headquarters in North Somerset which specialises in health industry software has had plans for the development approved on a 90-acre site between Long Ashton and Bristol North Somerset Council (NSC) said the scheme was a “major economic development” after it was approved by the planning committee on Wednesday (January 15) a training facility and solar field on green-belt land The committee heard the development could create up to 2,150 jobs and become the largest private employer in North Somerset boosting the district’s economy by around £140 million each year READ MORE: Click here for more planning news from your Somerset Leveller Arguments were made for and against the application from members of the community ward members and business and college leaders After several hours of debate over the plans which were detailed in an almost 400-page report the application was approved by nine votes to four Planning officers recommended the application met ‘special circumstances’ for developing green-belt sites The plans will now be reviewed by the Secretary of State before the approval is finalised Epic is a software developer, specialising in creating programs for the health industry. According to the company website, it was founded “in a basement in 1979 with three half-time employees” It says programs it has developed are used to “help people get well and help future generations be healthier” across the industry rehab centres and in patients’ homes Residents in a village just outside Bristol gathered for ‘an 11th hour push’ to try to persuade councillors to refuse a plan for a huge ‘business campus’ that will be ‘more like Disneyland’ And the planners also believed Epic’s highly controversial claim that they had to expand with a vast landscaped campus, and it has to be on the fields between Bristol and Long Ashton. That claim is contested - not least by Bristol City Council itself Local Lib Dem councillor Ash Cartman represents Long Ashton on North Somerset council He said the planning officers’ view that the economic benefits of Epic’s plan outweighed the damage to the Green Belt was a subjective one that could be challenged “This is part of a wider threat to the Green Belt that exists but this is the most important planning decision this community has faced in decades if not ever before - we need to defeat this,” he said Cllr Cartman said the local councillors asked Epic to include a ‘spatial gap’ between its campus and the village money for Weston and pain for Long Ashton,” he added “Somewhere like the Lloyds building is perfect for them - this is Bristol “Epic’s proposal asks local residents to sacrifice protected green space so they can build an extravagant office complex which would still bring jobs and economic prosperity to the region without sacrificing our precious Green Belt I urge North Somerset councillors to stand with the overwhelming majority of local residents and reject this unnecessary and damaging development,” he added Many in the packed village hall pledged to email the councillors on the planning committee ahead of Wednesday’s crunch meeting and volunteered to speak up at the meeting The meeting was organised by local resident Mike Dunn “Epic are demanding Long Ashton and South Bristol give up green space forever so they can build a sprawling complex complete with an individual office for each staff member We’re urging North Somerset councillors to listen to the overwhelming majority of the people they represent and reject this unnecessary proposal,” he added North Somerset’s planners will tell councillors that even though Epic’s proposals to build on the Green Belt should automatically be refused because it’s on the Green Belt what they are proposing and their need is so unique that it should be treated as a special case Local resident Moira Hunt said this argument doesn’t stand up “Purely on a whim and a wish this huge American software firm can run roughshod through 13 planning policies to create a completely unneeded office development on precious Green Belt Bristol and Weston are awash with empty office space Anyone who believes in established UK law and democracy should be outraged that a multi-billion dollar company can rip out the green lungs we cherish and allow Bristol to sprawl into Long Ashton “We need everyone to email the councillors on the planning committee to say ‘No’ to Epic and stand up against this abuse of the system,” she added The meeting is in Weston on Wednesday afternoon Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right Traffic will be diverted from the A370 back towards Long Ashton along the A370(Image: Google Maps)A key road in North Somerset is set for a six mile diversion from the start of next week (August 19) for a minimum of five days will divert traffic back towards Long Ashton on the A370 after the Long Ashton Park and Ride The works causing the diversion will be carried out by Bristol Water The diversion is required to excavate and lay 105 metres of new main from Batch Cottage to Gatcombe Lane The work will be carried out for a maximum of 18 months the road closures may not be implemented for the whole period and are anticipated to be in place for five days Those driving along Weston Road will need to drive along Long Ashton Road and turn right towards Clarken Coombe drivers will then need to turn left towards Gurney Roundabout before continuing on the B3130 The full details of the diversion can be seen here.